President Hugo Chavez remembered

Venezuelan nationals here and Vincentians gathered last Friday at the Venezuelan Institute for Culture and Cooperation to remember the life and work of that country’s former leader, Hugo Chavez who passed away March 5, 2013.{{more}}

“Last week was the first year anniversary since the passing of President Hugo Chavez, but we are saying that it is not a moment for sadness,” Elias Villalba, Charges d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to St Vincent and the Grenadines said.

“Rather it was a moment to celebrate what Chavez sowed and all that he set out to do”, Villalba continued.

“And he has inspired so many people – the labour continues – the fight with ideas and not arms towards a better tomorrow for all of us,” the Venezuelan diplomat said.

Venezuela has been going through a period of unrest, as Government and Opposition supporters use the streets to push competing positions.

“Many of us have been able to see the news, the amount of attacks and violence that has taken place in Venezuela,” Villalba said.

The present administration was, however, doing its best, he said, to take control of the situation.

However, Villalba stated that the international media have been notorious for creating certain negative images of the country, and of Chavez.

“There are obviously many interests behind that,” the Venezuelan Charge d’Affaires said.

Those present witnessed the screening of a documentary, put together by American film director Oliver Stone, who set out across five countries to explore the political movements, as well as the mainstream media’s misperception of South America, and leaders such as Hugo Chavez.